Biodiesel can be used in existing engines, vehicles and infrastructure with practically no changes. Biodiesel can be pumped, stored and burned just like petroleum diesel fuel, and can be used pure, or in blends with petroleum diesel fuel in any proportion. Power and fuel economy using biodiesel is practically identical to petroleum diesel fuel, and year round operation can be achieved by blending with diesel fuel.
It supports year-round operation, especially in colder climates, when appropriately blended. Additionally, biodiesel helps extend engine life due to its superior lubricating properties, reduces maintenance costs, and contributes to cleaner emissions — making it both an economical and eco-conscious choice.
The degree to which fuel provides proper lubrication is its lubricity. Low lubricity petroleum diesel fuel can cause premature failure of injection system components and decreased performance. Biodiesel provides excellent lubricity to the fuel injection system.
Biodiesel provides significantly reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfates compared to petroleum diesel fuel. Additionally, biodiesel reduces emissions of carcinogenic compounds by as much as 85% compared with petrodiesel. When blended with petroleum diesel fuel, these emissions reductions are generally directly proportional to the amount of biodiesel in the blend.
Biodiesel is the most valuable form of renewable energy that can be used directly in any existing, unmodified diesel engine.
Biodiesel fuel burns up to 75% cleaner than diesel fuel made from fossil fuels. Biodiesel substantially reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter in exhaust fumes. Sulphur dioxide emissions are 100% eliminated since biodiesel contains no sulphur.
This alternative fuel is plant-based and adds absolutely no CO2 to the atmosphere. Biofuel exhaust is not offensive and doesn't cause eye irritation. Vehicles do not spew out vile black fumes or particulates. In fact, if you make your fuel from used cooking oil, it may even smell like chips.
Biodiesel is environmentally friendly: it is renewable, "more biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table salt" (US National Biodiesel Board).
Biodiesel was the first renewable fuel to successfully complete the EPA-required Health Effects Testing under the Clean Air Act. Mutagenicity studies show that biofuel dramatically reduces potential risks of cancer and birth defects.
Biodiesel helps preserve natural resources. For every unit of energy needed to produce biodiesel, 3.24 units of energy are gained – nearly four times more than diesel.
We should increase our development of alternative fuels, taking advantage of renewable resources, like using corn and sugar to produce ethanol or soybeans to produce biodiesel.